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  • Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models

    Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models August 5th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 5th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Audi jumps on the clunkers bandwagon, offers $1,000 off qualifying models With sales skyrocketing in July to almost pre-crash levels for many carmakers - and beyond for a few - it's no surprise that Audi's joining the fray today with its own $1,000 incentive on top of the federally-funded CARS program for its qualifying models.

    The discount applies to no fewer than 18 2008 and 2009 model year cars. 2010 models are still be considered for the program, however, so if you're yearning for a newly upgraded Audi A5 2.0T, you may want to hold on for a few more weeks. Once the EPA certifies their fuel efficiency ratings, they too may be eligible.

    For those interested in an A3, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Cabrio, TT Coupe or... With sales skyrocketing in July to almost pre-crash levels for many carmakers - and beyond for a few - it's no surprise that Audi's joining the fray today with its own $1,000 incentive on top of the federally-funded CARS program for its qualifying models. The discount applies to no fewer than 18 2008 and 2009 model year cars. 2010 models are still be considered for the program, however, so if you're yearning for a newly upgraded Audi A5 2.0T, you may want to hold on for a few more weeks. Once the EPA certifies their fuel efficiency ratings, they too may be eligible. For those interested in an A3, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Cabrio, TT Coupe or Roadster, a Q5 or many of their quattro variants, however, the bargain is a go. "The CARS reimbursement enacted by Congress is a tremendous opportunity for consumers interested in upgrading to vehicles that offer better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions," said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. " Now that some uncertainties surrounding the launch of this federal program have been cleared up the time is right to enhance the deal even further." Other incentives offered for these models right now include a special 60-month APR and improved lease terms. The $1,000 incentive ends August 31, and though it may be extended, rampant demand may also shut the program down early as inventory levels fall. A complete table of the eligible Audi models can be found below. Model Year A3 2.0T 2008 A4 2.0T 2008 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T 2008 A4 Cabriolet 2.0T 2008 TT Coupe2008 TT Roadster /td> 2008 A3 2.0T 2009 A3 quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 2.0T /td> 2009 A4 quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T 2009 A4 Cabriolet 2009 A4 Cabriolet quattro 2.0T 2009 TT oupe .0T 2009 TT Coupe quattro 2.0T 2009 TT Roadster 2.0T 2009 TT Roadster quattro 2.0T 2009 Audi Q5 2009 Read More

  • Audi prices 2010 A4, A5 and Q5

    Audi prices 2010 A4, A5 and Q5 July 17th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 17th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Audi prices 2010 A4, A5 and Q5 The 2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 are still on their way to dealerships at the moment, but Audi decided to let the prices of the updated models loose early as it anticipates high demand. Though the updates are minor for the most part, the pricing is also only slightly increased for the 2010 model year.

    The A5, however, adds a pair of new trims that lower the bar for entry, replacing the 3.2L six-cylinder with the 2.0T TFSI four-cylinder. That shaves about $4,700 off the starting price, lowering it to an even $36,000 from last year's $40,700. Upgrading to a tiptronic transmission costs another $1,200, and is available on all A5 2.0T trims. The... The 2010 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 are still on their way to dealerships at the moment, but Audi decided to let the prices of the updated models loose early as it anticipates high demand. Though the updates are minor for the most part, the pricing is also only slightly increased for the 2010 model year. The A5, however, adds a pair of new trims that lower the bar for entry, replacing the 3.2L six-cylinder with the 2.0T TFSI four-cylinder. That shaves about $4,700 off the starting price, lowering it to an even $36,000 from last year's $40,700. Upgrading to a tiptronic transmission costs another $1,200, and is available on all A5 2.0T trims. The 3.2L with manual transmission offering is dropped from the lineup altogether. Core updates for the 2010 Audi A5 include the above powertrain changes plus the new third-gen MMI system, new LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models, a new wheel design for the entry-level Premium trim, and a new set of optional wheels for the S5. "Despite the economic headwinds that have affected all premium automotive brands this year, we see no signs of interest lagging in these three models," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "We need to release these new models early because of our proactive management of unsold inventories and because Audi continues to bring new models to the freshest lineup in the luxury sector. Both trends will continue in the months ahead." For the 2010 Audi Q5 (2009 model review here), pricing inches up $150 for the base Premium model to $37,350, while the Premium Plus and Prestige see similar rises to $41,400 and $48,850, respectively. The 2010 mdoel year updates include a new Fine Grain Ash and Natural Brown interior inlay option, new 20in five-spoke S-line wheels, standard side assist on Prestige models, a new luxury package, the Bang & Olufsen sound system is now available as a standalone option, and a variety of minor interior and exterior appearance tweaks. Finally, the 2010 Audi A4 gets the biggest price rise at $450 over the outgoing model, now starting at $31,450 for the Multitronic-equipped 2.0T FWD sedan. Adding quattro AWD with a manual transmission raises the price of entry to $32,350, and stepping up to the tiptronic transmission bumps that another $1,200 to $33,550. Like its siblings, the A4 is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. A new set of LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models and the third-gen MMI system are available on all new models, while the S4 gets a new 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and a new 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6 engine rated at 333hp and 325lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet (pictured) hasn't been released yet.2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet Read More

  • Audi slides two new engines into Q5 and A4 Allroad

    Audi slides two new engines into Q5 and A4 Allroad July 10th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 10th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Audi slides two new engines into Q5 and A4 Allroad Diesel engines have been a hot topic in the U.S. lately, but so far demand, while growing, hasn't shot up to the levels necessary to support a range of choices from carmakers. Europe is decidedly different on that measure, and accordingly they get a broad set of choices that gets even broader with today's announcement of a new pair of engines available in the Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad.

    The two new engines are Audi's 143hp 2.0 TDI diesel four-cylinder and the 180hp 2.0 TFSI gasoline four. Both are already available in other vehicles in Audi's range, but moving the small powerplants to the entry-level position in the European lineup offers... Diesel engines have been a hot topic in the U.S. lately, but so far demand, while growing, hasn't shot up to the levels necessary to support a range of choices from carmakers. Europe is decidedly different on that measure, and accordingly they get a broad set of choices that gets even broader with today's announcement of a new pair of engines available in the Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad. The two new engines are Audi's 143hp 2.0 TDI diesel four-cylinder and the 180hp 2.0 TFSI gasoline four. Both are already available in other vehicles in Audi's range, but moving the small powerplants to the entry-level position in the European lineup offers buyers a new choice for efficiency and savings. The diesel-burner offers 36.19mpg US in the Q5, while the gasoline four-pot is good for 28.0mpg US on average. The A4 Allroad isn't sold here in the U.S., but the Q5 is, and its big brother the Q7 is available with the larger 3.0L V6 TDI engine. Diesel-heads will be disappointed to know that the 2.0 TDI engine isn't planned to cross the pond in the foreseeable future due to low demand, according to Audi's Brad Stertz. In contrast, the new diesel is actually 300 euros cheaper than the TFSI model in Europe due to the broader acceptance of the fuel. The 2.0 TFSI engine could make the trans-Atlantic trip, however, since its gasoline-burning ways aren't shrouded in mystery and decades-old tales of clattering, sulfur-smelling feats of Teutonic engineering. Still no official word on that matter, however, but we'll bring you the latest as soon as word comes through. For more the the Audi Q5, check out our release story and review.2009 Audi Q52010 Audi A4 Allroad Official Read More

  • Modified Audi A4 hits record 226.6mph top speed on bio-gas

    Modified Audi A4 hits record 226.6mph top speed on bio-gas May 27th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 27th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    Modified Audi A4 hits record 226.6mph top speed on bio-gas The search for less-toxic alternative fuels is leading in many promising directions, one of which is bio-gas. Effectively a form of natural gas made from plants, the fuel was used this week to speed a modified B7 Audi A4 quattro to a new bio-gas world speed record of 226.6mph (364.6km/h).

    Despite running on a mixture of methane and other gases generated by the controlled decomposition of grass clippings and sawdust, the Audi A4 used for the speed record generates a massive 700hp (522kW) from its overbored twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine. What’s more impressive is that the powerplant is capable of producing upwards of 800hp (597kW),... The search for less-toxic alternative fuels is leading in many promising directions, one of which is bio-gas. Effectively a form of natural gas made from plants, the fuel was used this week to speed a modified B7 Audi A4 quattro to a new bio-gas world speed record of 226.6mph (364.6km/h). Despite running on a mixture of methane and other gases generated by the controlled decomposition of grass clippings and sawdust, the Audi A4 used for the speed record generates a massive 700hp (522kW) from its overbored twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine. What’s more impressive is that the powerplant is capable of producing upwards of 800hp (597kW), but output was limited this time ‘round to keep the transmission intact. The project was completed as part of the Community Center of Excellence program at TUV Rheinland, with help in construction and execution from local tuning and transport companies. TUV Rhineland, the organizer of the record run, counts the result as a huge success. "We wanted to show," said Dr. Stefan Behrning, who oversaw the speed test for the organizers, "that bio-gas technology is highly suitable for ecological motoring without fossil fuels. Ecology and driving fun are not mutually exclusive." While burning bio-gas does create atmospheric emissions, the process is CO2 neutral because the carbon dioxide released was captured from the atmosphere only months or years before by the fuelstock, rather than eons ago when the carbon in fossil fuels was captured. Read More

  • Audi launches new A4 2.0 TDI e

    Audi launches new A4 2.0 TDI e April 23rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 23rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 4 Comments

    Audi launches new A4 2.0 TDI e Europhiles in the U.S. have been clamoring for diesel four-cylinders for years, and just as ardently, the average American consumer has indicated their desire to have nothing to do with oil-burning four-pots. While we're still out of luck, Audi is prepping a car for Europe that will make us even more jealous: the A4 2.0 TDI e.

    Billed by Audi as the most efficient standard-sized sedan on the market, the A4 2.0 TDI e rates a healthy 51.13mpg US (4.6L/100km) in the EU's combined cycle. That works out to 119g/km of CO2 emissions - just 10g/km more than a second-gen Toyota Prius - and puts it head and shoulders above its petrol-powered... Europhiles in the U.S. have been clamoring for diesel four-cylinders for years, and just as ardently, the average American consumer has indicated their desire to have nothing to do with oil-burning four-pots. While we're still out of luck, Audi is prepping a car for Europe that will make us even more jealous: the A4 2.0 TDI e. Billed by Audi as the most efficient standard-sized sedan on the market, the A4 2.0 TDI e rates a healthy 51.13mpg US (4.6L/100km) in the EU's combined cycle. That works out to 119g/km of CO2 emissions - just 10g/km more than a second-gen Toyota Prius - and puts it head and shoulders above its petrol-powered competition at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus - or even other Audis. BMW and Mercedes both offer competitive diesels in Europe, but Audi thinks its A4 package will prove the most efficient. Even if it doesn't, Audi has shown over the last year that it has something special for the market, taking the sales title in its home market of Germany. The company even has plans to take over all of Europe by next year. Power ratings of the 2.0L TDI engine sit at 136hp (100kW) - enough to shove the sedan to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 133.6mph (215km/h). A range of special efficiency-enhancing technologies have been employed on the TDI e model, including a start-stop function and neutral idle function, which together account for 2mpg (0.2L/100km) in fuel savings, or about 5g/km CO2. Pricing starts at €30,800, and the first cars will be delivered in Europe in June. Audi hasn't yet announced any plans to bring the car to the U.S.2009 Audi A4 2.0 TDI e Read More

  • STaSIS Audi A4 hits 255hp with 2.0L turbo

    STaSIS Audi A4 hits 255hp with 2.0L turbo March 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    STaSIS Audi A4 hits 255hp with 2.0L turbo Audi's A4 has taken Germany by storm, becoming the best-selling luxury sedan in the home of German luxury cars. The company's boss has already announced that they'll be knocking BMW and Mercedes from the top spots in Europe by next year. So what can a tuner really hope to do to improve on the Audi A4? STaSIS has a good idea of what needs to be done, and they've pulled it off with the Signature Series A4.

    Cranking up the output of the car's 2.0T four-cylinder to 255hp and 294lb-ft of torque, the Signature Series hits 0-60mph in just 5.3 seconds. The company claims that's quicker than the competition from Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.... Audi's A4 has taken Germany by storm, becoming the best-selling luxury sedan in the home of German luxury cars. The company's boss has already announced that they'll be knocking BMW and Mercedes from the top spots in Europe by next year. So what can a tuner really hope to do to improve on the Audi A4? STaSIS has a good idea of what needs to be done, and they've pulled it off with the Signature Series A4. Cranking up the output of the car's 2.0T four-cylinder to 255hp and 294lb-ft of torque, the Signature Series hits 0-60mph in just 5.3 seconds. The company claims that's quicker than the competition from Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The quarter-mile scoots by with a 14.0 ET at 97.8mph (157km/h). STaSIS aficionados will likely notice that all of these numbers are off the company's own modified B7 A4's pace, but with CO2 requirements in Europe, it's an understandable change. To put the B8 A4's new-found power to use, STaSIS also upgraded the suspension, wheels and tires. Stepping up to the Challenge Edition gets all of the Signature Series improvements plus new 20x9in wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama Advan street tires combined with STaSIS tuning on the Ohlins SL coilovers yields a face-stretching 0.99g on the skidpad. Bringing the show to a halt is a set of Alcon Monobloc calipers with two-piece 370mm rotors that help shut the car down from 60mph in just 119ft. A Touring model offers a more comfortable, daily-driving set of mods, including upgraded brakes and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar. All of these upgrades are available starting at $5,999 for the Touring model, rising to the not-yet-priced Challenge model at the top. For more of STaSIS' work, check out their Audi S5, released last August.STaSIS Engineering Signature Series Audi B8 A4 Read More

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